Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has awarded a S$780 million civil contract to Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd – LT Sambo Co Ltd (Singapore Branch) Joint Venture for the design and construction of tunnels between Aviation Park station and Changi East Depot, as part of the Cross Island Line Phase 1 (CRL1) project in the country.
Works on the tunnels are scheduled to start this month, with passenger service for the line slated to commence in 2030.
The 6-km-long tunnels will be constructed under Aviation Park Road at an approximate depth of 20 m below ground level, explained LTA. At their deepest, the tunnels are anticipated to be around 40 m deep, compared to other stations which are typically around 30 m deep.
According to LTA, the ground conditions in this area are expected to be challenging as they comprise thick layers of underlying soft marine clay, and extensive works will have to be carried out to strengthen the soil condition to ensure that construction works proceed safely.
The works will be carried out under strict compliance to regulations including aviation height restrictions, given its proximity to the Changi Airport compound. LTA and the contractor will monitor the works closely to ensure that they are carried out safely and take measures to minimise any inconvenience.
Shanghai Tunnel Engineering Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd has undertaken infrastructure and building projects in Singapore. The company previously took part in the construction of Newton station along the Downtown Line as well as Buona Vista station along the Circle Line. It is currently involved in the construction of Bayshore station along the Thomson-East Coast Line and also road tunnels between Sin Ming Avenue and Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 for the North South Corridor (NSC).
LT Sambo Co Ltd (Singapore Branch) is a specialist in geotechnical and civil engineering. The company is currently working on road tunnels between Novena Rise and Toa Payoh Rise for the NSC.
The CRL is Singapore’s eighth MRT line. It will serve existing and future developments in the eastern, north-eastern and western corridors, linking major hubs such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District and Changi region. The CRL will have almost half of its stations as interchanges with other rail lines, making it easier and more convenient for commuters to travel across the rail network.
CRL1 is 29 km long and comprises 12 stations from Aviation Park to Bright Hill. This will serve residential and industrial areas in Loyang, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Defu, Hougang, Serangoon North and Ang Mo Kio and benefit more than 100,000 households. With CRL1, common recreational spaces such as Changi Beach Park and Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park will be more accessible by public transport.
Image: LTA
